ikọ

Yoruba

Etymology 1

Probably from Proto-Yoruboid *ʊ́-kɔ́, compare with Olukumi ukọ́, Igala úkọ́, equivalent to *ú- (“nominalizing prefix”) +‎ *kɔ́ (“to cough”), ultimately of onomatopoeic origin.

Alternative forms

• ukọ́ (Southeast Yoruba, Central Yoruba)
• ụkọ́ (Ekiti)

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ī.kɔ́/

Noun

ikọ́

1. cough

Etymology 2

Alternative forms

• ukọ̀ (Ọwọ, Ijebu)
• ụkọ̀ (Ekiti)

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ī.kɔ̀/

Noun

ikọ̀

1. (dipomacy) messenger; diplomat; ambassador

   Synonyms: olùránṣẹ́, òjíṣẹ́, aṣojú

2. (by extension) troops; squad
3. (by extension, sports) team

   Ikọ̀ Nàìjíríà tún ti fakọyọ. ― Nigeria's team has performed well again.

Derived terms

• ikọ̀ agbábọ́ọ̀lù (“football team”)
• ikọ̀ ọ̀jẹ̀ wẹ́wẹ́ (“feeder team”)